Stretch knit metal chain fabrics

ABSTRACT

A knitted metal fabric of at least two rows of loops, the rows of loops comprising metal chain knitted together to form a knitted metal fabric. The metal chain comprises a plurality of links of metal linked together to form the chain. The knitted metal chain fabric may be made into garments or used in any manner as other fabrics. A method for making the fabric includes providing at least one metal chain of links flexibly linked together, feeding the metal chain into a knitting machine, maintaining an even tension on the chain, knitting the metal chain into a knitted pattern to form a fabric, and weighting the fabric.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional patent application that claims thebenefit of and the priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/136,323, filed Mar. 20, 2015, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/073,183, filed Mar. 17, 2016, both titled STRETCH KNIT METAL CHAINFABRICS.

TECHNICAL FIELD TEXT

This invention relates to knitted fabrics, in particular to fabrics thatare knitted using metal chains as the “yarns.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Existing metal fabrics are either created using traditional weaves(versus knitting) or if employing a looping technique are made usingsingle strands of metal such as wire. These fabrics lack flexibility andstretchability and do not exhibit 4 way stretch. Industrially, metalwire may be knitted into a metal fabric wide range of uses including thefilter material for example in catalytic converters for cars and manyother uses. These fabrics are usually manufactured on circular knittingmachines that would be recognized by conventional knitters as sockmachines. However, use of wire, i.e. a continuous filament does notprovide the desire four way stretch required for wearability andflexibility.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Knitted fabrics of the present invention include fabrics made of metal.In particular, the fabrics of the present invention are made by usingmetal chains as the “yarns” of the fabrics and knitting them to form ametal fabric. The metal fabric may then be made into garments such asclothing or used for other purposes such as industrial purposes. Thefabrics made according to the process here have true four way stretch.Suitable metals include any metal or alloys of metals than can be formedinto a chain. The metals may include gold, silver, platinum, copper,brass, palladium, rhodium, titanium, tungsten, tungsten carbide, nickeland stainless steel, although other metals are within the scope of thisdisclosure. In some examples the metals may be electroplated.

The “yarns” of the knitted fabrics are chains of metals. The chains areformed from links of metal. The chains shapes may be oval, circular,square of other shapes. The links of the chains used as the “yarns” aresized such that when knitted into the fabric the fabric is extremelyflexible and exhibits true four way stretch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-IH show exemplary chain styles.

FIG. 1A shows a cable chain.

FIG. 1B shows a crinkle chain.

FIG. 1C shows a FIG. 8 chain.

FIG. 1D shows a curb chain.

FIG. 1E shows a flat link cable chain.

FIG. 1F shows a hook chain.

FIG. 1G shows a marquis chain.

FIG. 1H shows a figaro chain.

FIG. 1I shows a link chain.

FIG. 1J shows a rolo chain.

FIG. 1K shows a round link chain.

FIG. 2 shows a stockinette style of knitting.

FIG. 3 shows knit and purl stitches.

FIG. 4 shows a knitted metal chain and yarn fabric using a Fair Islestitch.

FIG. 5 shows a knitted metal chain garment using a dropped stitch.

FIG. 6 shows a knitted metal chain fabric using a thread lace stitch.

FIG. 7 shows a knitted metal chain fabric using a stockinette stitch.

FIG. 8 shows a knitted metal chain fabric using a purl stitch.

FIG. 9 a knitted metal chain fabric using a lace stitch.

FIG. 10 shows a close up of a knitted metal chain fabric.

FIG. 11 shows another close up of a knitted metal chain fabric.

FIG. 11 shows another close up of a knitted metal chain fabric.

FIGS. 12A-F show the same garment made of knitted metal chain and theflexibility and stretchability of the that garment.

FIG. 13A shows the flexibility of fabrics of the invention made ofknitted metal

FIGS. 13B and 13C shows pattern knitting;

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a conventional knitting and machinery fornonmetal

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a knitting apparatus and method used to make theknitted metal chain fabrics of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a knitting needle engaging a metal chain for knitting.

FIG. 17 shows diagrams of conventional knitting machine and parts.

FIG. 18A is a partial view of an exemplary knitting machine.

FIG. 18B depicts a knitting machine that includes a ribber attachment.

FIG. 18C depicts the needle arrangement of the ribber attachment andknitting

FIG. 19 is an illustration of claw weights used in an exemplary knittingmachine.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of comb weights used in an exemplary knittingmachine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERREDEMBODIMENTS

Knitted fabrics of the present invention include fabrics made of metal.In particular, the fabrics of the present invention are made by usingmetal chains as the “yarns” of the fabrics and knitting them to form ametal fabric. The metal fabric may then be made into garments such asclothing or used for other purposes such as industrial purposes. Thefabrics made according to the process here have true four way stretch.Suitable metals include any metal or alloys of metals than can be formedinto a chain. The metals may include, but are not limited to, gold,silver, platinum, copper, brass, palladium, rhodium, titanium, tungsten,tungsten carbide, nickel and stainless steel. In some examples themetals may be electroplated. As disclosed here, the metal fabrics useonly metal links in a chain to create the stretchy, durable, and strongmaterial. However, the metal fabric may be combined with other fabricsor materials to create a garment. Preferably, the metal fabric comprisesat least two knitted rows of metal chain. However, the fabric maycomprise a single row of knit metal with a subsequent non-metal row.Preferably, the metal fabric comprises at least two knitted rows ofmetal chain. In one embodiment, the metal fabric is made from a rigidmaterial, such as plastic, coated in metal or metallic paint.

The “yarns” of the knitted fabrics are chains of metals. The chains areformed from links of metal that are linked together. The chain links maybe oval, circular, square of other shapes. Preferably, the holes in thelinks are oval or circular, or other shapes may be used. The links ofthe chains used as the “yarns” are sized such that when knitted into thefabric the fabric is very flexible and exhibits true four way stretch.Link sizes of the metal chain yarns for making fabrics on conventionalknitting machines include links that are up to 11 mm in length andwidth. The length and width may be the same or it may be different. Forexample, chains in which the links are longer than they are wide, suchas FIG. 8 chains, may also be used. For example, FIG. 8 chains having alength ranging from 1.0 mm to 4 mm and a width from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mmalso are suitable. The shapes of the links also may be different asshown in the figures.

Preferably, the links may have a length ranging from 0.25 mm to 4 mm anda width ranging from 0.25 mm to 3 mm. For metal knitted fabrics used forclothing, the length of the link preferably ranges from 0.25 mm to 4.0mm. However, in industrial applications, the link length and width maybe greater or smaller (for example for fencing or the like).

The hole size of the links may also vary. The holes may be of anysuitable shape and are preferably circular or oval. Suitable hole sizesof the links of the chains that are knitted together on conventionalknitting machines include link holes ranging from about 0.25×0.25 mm,0.25×0.25 mm to about 4.0×4.0 mm. Suitable hole sizes include 0.5×0.5mm, 0.5×1.0 mm links, 1.0×1.0 mm, 1.5×2.0 mm, 2.0×2.0 mm, 2.0×2.5 mm,2.4×2.8, 2.5×3.0 s, 3.0×3.0, 3.0×3.5, 3.0×4.0, 3.5×3.5 mm, 3.5×4.0 mm,4.0×4.0 mm and ranges. Although these are preferable sizes for garments,other applications such as industrial applications may include largerlinks with larger holes for non-garment applications or smaller linkswith smaller holes if the machine and its needles are modified to suitthe purpose. For garment applications, such as blouses, shirts, dresses,skirts and the like a preferred hole size is 3 mm or less.

Suitable chain types include cable chains, FIG. 8 chains, curb chains,flat link chains, hook chains, marquis chains, figaro chains, rolochains, and round link chains. Other chains that may be used include,but the disclosure is not so limited, rope chains, twisted link chains,single jack chains, double jack chains, foxtail chains, anchor linkchains, cable link chains, box chains and the like.

FIGS. 1A-1G show exemplary chains that may be used as “yarns” of thepresent invention. For example, FIG. 1A shows a cable chain. FIG. 1Bshows a crinkle chain. Figure IC shows a FIG. 8 chain. FIG. 1D shows acurb chain. FIG. 1E shows a flat link cable chain. FIG. 1F shows a hookchain. FIG. 1G shows a marquis chain. FIG. 1H shows a figaro chain. FIG.11 shows a link chain. FIG. 1J shows a rolo chain and FIG. 1K shows around link chain. As shown, each chain 10 contains a series ofinterconnected links 12.

Chains used for the fabrics need not include a single type of chain orchains having the same link size and it is contemplated that thedifferent types of chains and chain of differing link sizes may be usedas the “yarns.” Preferably, the links in the chains are of the same sizeor close to the same size.

Fabrics made by the method of the current invention are very stretchableand very flexible. The fabrics have true 4-way stretch. 2-way stretchfabrics stretch in one direction, usually from selvedge to selvedge (butcan be in other directions depending on the knit). 4-way stretchstretches in both directions, crosswise and lengthwise.

The topology of a knitted fabric is relatively complex. Unlike wovenfabrics, where strands usually run straight horizontally and vertically,yarn that has been knitted follows a looped path along its row, as withthe darker strand in FIG. 2 , in which the loops of one row have allbeen pulled through the loops of the row below it. Because there is nosingle straight line of yarn anywhere in the pattern, a knitted piece offabric can stretch in all directions. This is called true 4-way stretch.This elasticity is all but unavailable in traditional, non elastane,woven fabrics, which only stretch along the bias.

The basic knitted fabric (as in FIG. 2 , and usually called a stockingor stockinette pattern) has a definite “right side” and “wrong side”. Onthe right side, the visible portions of the loops are the verticalsconnecting two rows which are arranged in a grid of V shapes. On thewrong side, the ends of the loops are visible, both the tops andbottoms, creating a much more bumpy texture sometimes called reversestockinette. (Despite being the “wrong side,” reverse stockinette isfrequently used as a pattern in its own right.) Because the yarn holdingrows together is all on the front, and the yarn holding side-by-sidestitches together is all on the back, stockinette fabric has a strongtendency to curl toward the front on the top and bottom, and toward theback on the left and right side.

Stitches can be worked from either side, and various patterns arecreated by mixing regular knit stitches with the “wrong side” stitches,known as purl stitches, either in columns (ribbing), rows (garter,welting), or more complex patterns. Each fabric has differentproperties: a garter stitch has much more vertical stretch, whileribbing stretches much more horizontally. Because of their front-backsymmetry, these two fabrics have little curl, making them popular asedging, even when their stretch properties are not desired.

Different combinations of knit and purl stitches, along with moreadvanced techniques, generate fabrics of considerably variableconsistency, from gauzy to very dense, from highly stretchy torelatively stiff, from flat to tightly curled, and so on.

The most common knitted type of fabric or fabric includes stockinettestitches. The structure of stockinette 20 is shown in FIG. 2 . Here, themeandering dark path defines one course 22—the path of the yarn throughthe fabric. The upper links 24 are unsecured and are “active,” but theysecure links 22. In turn, links 22 secure links 26, which in turn securelinks below them and so on. To secure a stitch, at least one new link ispassed through it. Although the new stitch is itself unsecured (“active”or “live”), it secures the stitch(es) suspended from it. A sequence ofstitches in which each stitch is suspended from the next is called awale. To secure the initial stitches of a knitted fabric, a method forcasting on is used; to secure the final stitches in a whale, one uses amethod of binding/casting off

In securing the previous stitch in a wale, the next stitch can passthrough the previous link from either below or above. If the former, thestitch is denoted as a knit stitch or a plain stitch; if the latter, asa purl stitch. The two stitches are related in that a knit stitch seenfrom one side of the fabric appears as a purl stitch on the other side.The two types of stitches have a different visual effect; the knitstitches look like “V”'s stacked vertically, whereas the purl stitcheslook like a wavy horizontal line across the fabric. Patterns andpictures can be created by knitting two or more different coloredmaterials together using fairisle and other image knitting techniques.Individual stitches, or rows of stitches, may be made taller by drawingmore yarn into the new loop (an elongated stitch), which is the basisfor uneven knitting: a row of tall stitches may alternate with one ormore rows of short stitches for an interesting visual effect. As anillustrative example, short and tall stitches may also alternate withina row, forming a fish-like oval pattern.

FIG. 3 shows a knit stitch 30 and a purl stitch 32. As shown, the knitstitch 30 passes through the loop 34 from below. In the purl stitch 32,the next stitch 36 enters from above. Thus, a knit stitch on one side ofthe fabric appears as a purl stitch on the other and vice versa.

There are many hundreds of stitches used by knitters. In the simplestknitted fabrics, all the stitches are knit or purl; this is known as agarter stitch. Alternating rows of knit stitches and purl stitchesproduce what is known as a stockinette pattern/stocking stitch. Verticalstripes (ribbing) are possible by having alternating wales of knit andpurl stitches. For example, a common choice is 2×2 ribbing, in which twowales of knit stitches are followed by two wales of purl stitches, etc.Horizontal striping (welting) is also possible, by alternating rows ofknit and purl stitches. Checkerboard patterns (basketweave) are alsopossible, the smallest of which is known as seed/moss stitch: thestitches alternate between knit and purl in every wale and along everyrow.

Not every stitch in a row need be knitted; some may be left “as is” andknitted on a subsequent row. This is known as slip-stitch knitting. Theslipped stitches are naturally longer than the knitted ones. Forexample, a stitch slipped for one row before knitting would be roughlytwice as tall as its knitted counterparts. This can produce interestingvisual effects, although the resulting fabric is more rigid because theslipped stitch “pulls” on its neighbors and is less deformable.

Mosaic knitting is a form of slip-stitch knitting that knits alternatecolored rows and uses slip stitches to form patterns; mosaic-knitfabrics tend to be stiffer than patterned fabrics produced by othermethods such as Fair-Isle knitting. In some cases, a stitch may bedeliberately left unsecured by a new stitch and its wale allowed todisassemble. This is known as drop-stitch knitting, and produces avertical ladder of see-through holes in the fabric, corresponding towhere the wale had been.

The initial and final edges of a knitted fabric are known as the cast-onand bound/cast-off edges. The side edges are known as the selvages; theword derives from “self-edges,” meaning that the stitches do not need tobe secured by anything else. Many types of selvages have been developed,with different elastic and ornamental properties.

Vertical and horizontal edges can be introduced within a knitted fabric,e.g., for button holes, by binding/casting off and re-casting on again(horizontal) or by knitting the fabrics on either side of a verticaledge separately as known in the art. Two knitted fabrics can be joinedby embroidery-based grafting methods, most commonly the Kitchenerstitch. New wales can be begun from any of the edges of a knittedfabric; this is known as picking up stitches and is the basis forentrelac, in which the wales run perpendicular to one another in acheckerboard pattern.

The most basic form of knitting is flat knitting. Flat knitting, in itsmost basic form, is used to make flat pieces of cloth. It is done withtwo straight knitting needles and is worked in rows, horizontal lines ofstitches. Flat knitting is usually used to knit flat pieces likescarves, blankets, afghans, and the backs and fronts of dresses, shirts,sweaters and pullovers. Circular knitting (also called “knitting in theround”) is a form of knitting that can be used to create a seamlesstube. Knitting is worked in rounds (the equivalent of rows in flatknitting). Circular knitting is used in creating pieces that arecircular or tube-shaped, such as hats, socks, mittens, and sleeves.

FIGS. 4-11 show various fabrics and garments made by knitting metalchains to form the fabrics using various stitches. FIG. 4 shows aknitted metal chain and yam fabric using a Fair Isle stitch. FIG. 5shows a knitted metal chain garment using a dropped stitch. FIG. 6 showsa knitted metal chain fabric using a thread lace stitch. FIG. 7 shows aknitted metal chain fabric using a stockinette stitch. FIG. 8 shows aknitted metal chain fabric using a purl stitch. FIG. 9 a knitted metalchain fabric using a lace stitch. FIG. 10 shows a close up of a knittedmetal chain fabric. FIG. 11 shows another close up of a knitted metalchain fabric. FIGS. 12A-F and 13A show the flexibility andstretchability of knitted metal chain fabrics of the invention. FIGS.12A-F are all images of the same garment. FIG. 12D shows the garment ona male form. FIG. 12F shows the same garment on a female form. FIGS. 12Dand 12F serve to highlight how the fabric will take on the shape of itswearer due to its flexibility and stretchability. FIGS. 13B and 13Cshows pattern knitting where two different colored chains are knittogether to form an image or pattern using a fairisle technique that isconventional to standard machine knitting.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and B, a conventional machine knitting process isshown. In step 1, 1400, yam 1402 is passed from a ball of yam (notshown) through the rear yam guide 1404 sliding the yam through theeyelet 1406. Then the yam, in step 2 1408 is passed under the pin 1410and between two discs 1412 from behind. The yam is held has shown instep 2 and it is pulled towards the operator, so the yam goes under thepin 1410. Then, in step 3 1414 the yam is threaded through the frontyard guide 1416 and in step 4 1418 the yarn is threaded through theeyelet 1420 of the take up spring 1422. In step 5 1424, the yarn isclipped under the yard clip 1426 and then step 6 1428, when knitting hasstarted, wax 1430 is set on the wax stand 1432.

An exemplary process for making the metal chain fabrics of the presentinvention is described in the example below referring to Figures ISA andB. Using a knitting machine, such as the bulky 9 mm gauge Brother KH260model a metal chain is placed on a spool 1500 which is suspended in theair using a metal spoke over a bin. The chain is fed into the machine1502 in a standard manner as described by most knitting machine manualsexcept for metal machines. In metal machines such as the Brother KH260process skips the top tension unit 1504. For plastic/hobby machines suchas the Singer LKI00, the process uses the top tension unit.

When machine knitting, the chain has to have a certain strength in orderto not break during this process—this strength can be determined bywhether the chain can be ripped by hand fairly easily. After the chainis fed into the machine 1502, it is “cast on” using any traditionalknitting technique as discussed above. The machine carriage 1506 is thenpushed back and forth to knit the metal chain. Once it is complete, thegarment or swatch is taken off the machine, bound off by hand. Thegarments may be sewn together by hand but can also be connected usinglinking machinery. The metal chain fabric can also be made on thesmaller gauge machines such as the 4.5 mm gauge Brother KH930 but thechain holes must be smaller and thinner as the needles of the machineare smaller.

As set forth above, the metal chain should be strong enough to withstandthe machinery without breaking and the hole size of the chain must besized for the needle of the machine. For example, with the largermachines, the hole size can be from 0.25 mm to 2 mm and in the smallermachines the hole size can be from 0.25 mm to 1.3 mm. For example, achain having a hole size of 1.5 mm will use a standard needle meant for9 mm machines (such as the Brother KH260, Singer SK150, Singer LKI00,Toyota 600). For example, a chain having a hole size of 0.5 mm will usea standard needle meant for 4.5 mm machines (such as the Brother KH840,Brother KH930, Singer SK360, Toyota 858). See FIG. 16 showing anappropriate needle 1600 for the hole 1602 of the links 1604 of the chain1606 shown (this is on the Brother KH270—a 9 mm knitting machine). Thetip of the needle preferably is not smaller than the holes in the linksas the needle may become stuck in the hole. Hence, the size of the tipof the needle should be equal in size to or larger in size than theholes in the links.

An exemplary method for machine knitting the fabric of the presentinvention includes the steps of providing at least one metal chain oflinks flexibly linked together, the links having holes, selecting aneedle size configured to be equal or greater to the size of the holes,feeding the metal chain into a knitting machine, maintaining an eventension on the chain, weighting the chain, and knitting the metal chaininto a knitted pattern to form a fabric.

FIG. 17 shows diagrams of conventional knitting machine and parts. Thecarriage handle 1700 controls how tight the stitches of the knittedmetal chain fabric. Hence, the fabric can be knitted with a tight knitor looser knit as shown in the Figures. For example, in a garment suchas a dress or women's shirt, it may be desirable to provide a very tightknit such that the spaces or interstices in the fabric are very small.In one embodiment, the stich size is used to determine the tightness orspacing between knitted chains. The tightness may be adjusted such thatthe tightness is consistent throughout the completed garment. In anotherembodiment, the tightness of the knit is adjusted such that thetightness varies through the garment. In one embodiment, the chain ismade from a non-metallic material including plastic and metal coatedplastic.

As the fabric is knitted, it may no longer be necessary to weight thechain because as the chain is metal, the weight of the fabric increasesas the size of the fabric increases and hence the fabric itself acts asthe weight. Hence, the weight will be removed so as not to distort thefabric once the fabric becomes heavy enough to act as its own weight.During the process, the bottom of the fabric is weighted down by a combweight and one or more claw weights. FIG. 18A is a partial view of aknitting machine 1800 with the comb weight 1802 engaging the lower edgeof the metal chain fabric 1804. As shown, the comb weight engages thechain with engaging fingers 1808. One or more claw weights 1808 may alsobe used to add further weight to the fabric by engaging the comb weight.As the fabric becomes longer and hence weightier, the claw weights 1808can be disengaged from the comb weight as can the comb weighteventually. However, the claw weights 1808 may be used to weigh down theend edges of the fabric directly after the comb weight has beendisengaged to continue to maintain the tension and keep the chain fromslipping off the end needles.

The weights are used to make the metal fabric hang properly and preventit from lifting up until the weight of the fabric itself no longer makesit necessary. The lighter the fabric, the longer the weights may have tobe utilized in the process to ensure the fabric hangs properly. FIGS. 19and 20 are illustrations of claw weights and comb weights.

A most preferred method of machine knitting the metal chain materialincludes providing at least one metal chain of links flexibly linkedtogether, selecting a stitch size on a knitting machine, feeding themetal chain into the knitting machine, maintaining an even tension onthe chain, weighting the lower edge of the knitted fabric, and knittingthe metal chain into a knitted pattern to form a fabric.

FIG. 18B depicts a knitting machine 1800 that includes a ribberattachment 1810. The ribber attachment 1810 includes a plurality ofneedles 1812 and a separate carriage handle 1814 that is configured tocontrol the tightness of the ribber knits. In one embodiment, thecarriage handle 1700 is adjusted to the same setting as the carriagehandle 1814. In another embodiment, the carriage handle 1700 is set to adifferent setting than the carriage handle 1814. Using a ribberattachment 1810, can allow for circular knitting, various forms ofribbed knitting, and additional patterns chain knitting. The ribberattachment 1810 attaches to the bottom of the standard knitting machine1800. Although similar to knitting with yam, greater care has to betaken when knitting with chain—such as knitting on every other needle,in order to not create too much tension (and therefor snap the chain).FIG. 18C depicts one example of a needle arrangement of the ribberattachment 1810 and knitting machine 1800. In this example, knittingmachine needles 1600 engage a chain 1606 in an alternating pattern withthe ribber needles 1812. The Ribber may be shifted to the right or leftto create different needle arrangements as in traditional knitting witha ribber attachment.

Knit chain metal lace may also be made with the lace carriage (aseparate carriage that comes with some machines) or by hand manipulationof stitches (like hand manipulated yam lace). Further, knitting ofimages using metal chain can be made through fair isle techniques andother image knitting techniques. These images may be knit of “yams” madeof chain in combination with conventional yams. Or the image may be knitof just metal chain in multiple colors of chain to create a patterneffect (such as that which is traditionally associated with holidaysweaters). Lastly, an image may also be produced by knitting the chainusing the “lace knitting technique” which leaves holes in the knittingthat create an image (like a lace pattern on conventional fabric).

Although the process of knitting the metal chain fabric is disclosed asutilizing conventional knitting machines, other machines may becomeavailable to knit the metal chains into a knitted fabric.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise,the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising”and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of an item orgroup of items, but not the exclusion of any other item or group items.While various examples of the invention have been described, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more examplesand implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Forexample, while this description has focused on knitted fabrics madeusing metal links or chain as a “yam” to create a stretchy and durableknit metal material.

Furthermore, industrial knitting machines as well as home or hobbyknitting machines may be used to knit the fabric. While exemplaryapplications described herein include fashion and textile industries,other applications include, but are not limited to, bullet-proof vestsand other military apparel/textiles, medical apparel (such as x-rayvests), and other applications where a metal with true four-way stretchcould greatly enhance user experience, safety and comfort. Althoughvarious indications have been given as to the scope of this invention,the invention is not limited to any one of these but may reside in twoor more of these combined together. Accordingly, the invention is not tobe restricted except in light of the attached claims and theirequivalents.

While various examples of the invention have been described, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more examplesand implementations are possible within the scope of the invention.Furthermore, although various indications have been given as to thescope of this invention, the invention is not limited to any one ofthese but may reside in two or more of these combined together.

What is claimed:
 1. A method of producing a knitted metal fabriccomprising: forming a single continuous metal chain including aplurality of links each having a hole with each link being axiallyconnected to adjacent links at an intersection of two adjacent links toform a single co-axial row of connected links to form the chain,intertwining the single continuous metal chain with itself by forming aplurality of loops without creating any new links or connecting anyadditional links to the links in the chain to form a flexible andstretchable knit textile, wherein chain loops comprised of individuallyco-axially connected links are intertwined at the intersection of anadjacent loop such that the flexible and stretchable knit textile movesand stretches in multiple directions to conform to a shape of an objectwhile in contact with an object and returning to an original shape whennot in contact with an object.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein themetal of the chain is non-magnetic.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinthe metal of the chain is a noble metal.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein the metal of the chain is selected from the group consisting ofgold, silver, platinum, copper, brass, palladium, rhodium, titanium,tungsten, tungsten carbide, nickel and stainless steel.
 5. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the metal of the chain is an alloy of two or moremetals.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two rows of metalchain are knitted or sewn to a non-metal fabric.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the metal chain comprises two different types of chains. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the links of the metal chain have holesranging in size from about 0.5 mm×0.5 mm to about 4.0 mm×4.0 mm.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the holes are 3.0×3.0 mm or less in size. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein the links have a length and width and thelength is greater than the width.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein thelinks have a length and width and the length is equal to the width. 12.The method of claim 1, wherein the links have a length of 11 mm or less.13. The method of claim 1, wherein the links have a width of 11 mm orless.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal of the chain is aferrite material.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the holes are atleast 10 mm or more in size.